Jordan Romano protected the Blue Jays’ one-point lead, earning his sixth save of as many opportunities this season, in a 4-3 win over the Oakland Athletics on Sunday in Toronto.
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Granting a free pass to Kevin Smith, Romano pulled Christian Bethancourt, Elvis Andrus and Cristian Pache to end the game. He thus dominates the major leagues for saves.
The team of Canada has therefore won this series of three games and shows a record of 6-4 sufficient to retain first place in the East Division of the American.
Just enough
Charlie Montoyo’s troop certainly complicated their life in this meeting since they had forged a three-point lead after three innings. A sacrifice fly from Lourdes Gurriel Jr. on the opening turn at bat and singles from Santiago Espinal and Matt Chapman in subsequent engagements gave starter Alek Manoah a good cushion (2-0).
The latter, however, gave the Athletics two runs in the fifth inning. Stephen Vogt (home run) and Sean Murphy (sacrifice fly) both drove in a run. Those were the only two runs allowed by the Gunner, who allowed four hits and two walks in six innings.
It was ultimately an error by Kevin Smith at the end of the fifth that was the source of the point of victory. Adam Oller (0-1) suffered the loss after giving up three runs, two of which were earned, five strikes to safety and three walks in three and a third innings.
In short
The day after a rather difficult outing, Jays starter Hyun Jin Ryu saw his name placed on the injured list for 10 days. He complained of a sore arm after giving up five runs in four innings to the A’s on Saturday.
The Jays will be off Monday before visiting the Boston Red Sox for the first time this season beginning Tuesday.